Prevention

Model and promote these behaviors within your peer groups as ways for aquarium
hobbyists, backyard pond owners and water gardeners to show our environmental ethic
and conservation behaviors

This is a very important component of HabitattitudeTM. With the
growth and expansion of our global economy, the movement and establishment of live, nonnative
species around the world has become one of the most challenging resource conservation issues
we face. A variety of commercial activities accidentally introduce these aquatic invasive species
and recreational users unknowingly spread them to other waters. If they become established,
aquatic invasive species can wreak environmental havoc, degrade aquatic resources and make
waters unusable for recreational and commercial activities. They can also impact human health,
and economists estimate costs at over $100 billion annually, which is more than earthquakes,
floods and fires combined.

Since our activities deal with live, ornamental species, we are facing greater scrutiny from
governmental agencies that regulate the live species trade and an increase in negative public
perceptions about our hobbies. In order to stand up to this scrutiny and to change public
perceptions about our hobbies, we need to embrace HabitattitudeTM and everything it stands for
and join with the partner organizations to promote the environmental values associated with our
hobbies. By discussing HabitattitudeTM at aquarium society meetings and promoting the
campaign through our newsletter and websites, we demonstrate our environmental ethic and
show the larger public that our hobbies are environmentally responsible.